If pupils are to reach their potential they need to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them. Regular, uninterrupted school attendance is a key factor in helping pupils reach their potential. Every effort should always be made to avoid disruption to a pupil’s education.

Achieving 90% in a test might seem like an excellent mark. However, 90% attendance equates to a morning per week off school. This level of absence has a huge impact on learning. We aim for our pupils to achieve at the very least, a 96% attendance rate.

Following amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 which came into effect 1st September 2013, Head Teachers are only allowed to grant leave of absence from school in exceptional circumstances. The decision as to whether any request is considered as ‘exceptional circumstances’ rests solely with the Head Teacher.

It is impossible to provide an exhaustive list of what “exceptional” may be and the school tries to be sympathetic to the particular family circumstances when a request is made. However, the fundamental principles for defining ‘exceptional’ are rare, significant, unavoidable and short; 'unavoidable' should be taken to mean an event that could not reasonably be scheduled at another time.

In considering whether or not to authorise a request for exceptional leave of absence in term time the Head Teacher will look at each individual case and only grant authorisation if the circumstances are truly exceptional. Additionally, any request should be made prior to the leave of absence and should be submitted to the school using the Request for Leave of Absence form. Parents/Carers may be asked to provide additional information/evidence or meet with the school to discuss the circumstances.

Parents/Carers will be notified of the Head Teacher’s decision at the earliest opportunity. If the circumstances are not considered to be exceptional then parents/carers will be informed of this and made aware that the Local Authority may be asked to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Request a Leave of Absence Form

In order to receive a 'Leave of Absence' form, please fill in the details below.

Please note that it takes time to prepare the form. We will endeavor to get the form to you as soon as possible.

Please also refer below to our 'Attendance Of Pupils Policy'.

Name of child *FirstLast

Class *

How would you prefer to receive your form? *I would appreciate a text when the form is ready for me to collect from the school officePlease send the form home via my child